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This is not only Aomori's but one of Japan's most famous festivals. The town suddenly becomes very lively, with many street stalls. The main feature is the evening parade with huge illuminated paper lanterns featuring scenes from famous kabuki plays and famous Japanese legends being pulled through the streets while costumed dancers dance around them. It was thought to have originated as a Tanabata Festival with small lanterns and gradually grew over time. Although today the floats are lit by incandescent lightbulbs, it's still called a "fire festival" because the lanterns were originally lit by candles. The night parades run from August 2-6, and on the final day, August 7, there is a daytime parade that concludes with an extensive fireworks display while some of the Nebuta lanterns float around the bay on boats. Everybody can join the parade, as long as they wear the festival costume. To rent the costume, enquire at the tourist center next to the train station.
ねぶたの家ワ・ラッセ
The distinctive red building houses exhibits about the Nebuta, including several floats, if you're unable to make it during festival season.
青森ベイブリッジ Aomori Bei Buridji
This bridge spans a short harbor inlet near Aomori Station and the former ferry port.
八甲田丸
The ferry which connected Hokkaido and Aomori prior to the building of the Seikan Submarine Tunnel is now a somewhat run down museum, but worth checking out if you're interested in regional history, trains, or boats. The rear part of the deck of the ferry serves as a beer garden on summer nights.
アスパム
A large triangular building that can be easily spotted from the train station or the bridge, this is the tourism center for all of Aomori prefecture. It includes a movie about the prefecture (Japanese only) and an observation deck with views of the harbor and city (extra charge).
青森県立美術館
Exhibits about the natural and cultural history of Aomori prefecture.
棟方志功記念館
Shiko Munakata is famous for his woodblock prints, displayed in this very small gallery along with some of his paintings and calligraphy. Closed Mondays except for national holidays and during Nebuta.